Page 16 of Ruby
Fucking Drifter stands there wearing just his jeans. His bare chest has beads of water trailing downwards, as if he just got out of the shower. His wet hair is a testament to that as he rubs the towel through it.
“Ruby.”
“That’s my name, don’t wear it out.” I sigh a little dramatically.
“I was half expectin’ you not to show up.”
I fold my arms over my chest, unimpressed. “I’m considerin’ my life choices at this very moment.”
He grins. My goodness. There’s a whole world waiting right there when his eyes twinkle like that.
He opens the door wider, stepping aside. “Where are my manners? Come inside.”
I give him a look, then move past him.
It’s just as cozy inside. The cabin is built entirely out of logs; it’s more Montana-style than Texas, but it works. There’s a stone fireplace, along with two comfy-looking armchairs and an open kitchen/dining room. The back doors, however, are the real star attraction. The backyard has Southern magnolia trees as far as the eye can see, and past that, huge Southern red oaks. Decker is a tree farmer, and the oaks are excellent for construction, furniture, and flooring.
Most of Saddle uses this kind of wood because of its durability.
“Sizin’ up my crib?”
I turn to look at him. “Crib? Seriously?”
He laughs. “I had a good day, thanks for askin’. How was yours, honey?”
“Let’s just get one thing straight. You might think you’re sweeter than cherry pie, but this whole thing we had goin’ on.” I wiggle my finger back and forth between us. “It’s not gonna continue.”
His eyes meet mine, and confusion is written across his face. “So, you didn’t enjoy yourself?”
“I didn’t say that—”
“So it’s because I’m a prospect?”
“We’ve been over this, but since we’re on the subject, you’re far too young for me. The only reason I slept with you is that I thought you were passin’ through town.”
He presses his palm to his chest. “I’m wounded.”
“What happened was a mistake, and while I had fun, we need to keep things professional.”
“You were way more fun when you let your hair down and didn’t give a fuck what people think,” he says. “Wanna know what I heard about the Stilettos VP?”
“Spare me the details. I’m here to discuss—”
Instead, he goes on as if I haven’t even spoken, “She’s fearless, strong, and she doesn’t give a hootenanny what anyone has to say about shit. Ruby Dawes is a force to be reckoned with. Every decision she makes is done with precision and detail. You’d make one heck of a Prez someday.”
I stare at him, my mouth open, then say, “How do you know my last name?”
He gives me a lopsided look, tossing his towel over the back of a chair, then folds his arms over his chest. I try not to dip my gaze to his body, but sue me, he’s fucking hot. “That’s what you got from all of that?”
“Jamie, you’re sweet and all, but we were supposed to be a one-night thing.”
“And if I wasn’t a prospect?”
“That isn’t the only issue.”
He stands a little straighter, eyebrows popping. “Hit me with it. Mama. I’m a big boy, I can take it.”
The silence is almost deafening between us as I try to come up with one new reason why we shouldn’t.
